Change in the chair at Midsteeple Quarter

The chair of Midsteeple Quarter’s volunteer board of directors is passing on the baton.

Peter Kormylo shared his decision to stand aside with members of the community benefit society at its Annual General Meeting last night.

He has held the role since 2020, leading the board during a period of huge progress for the organisation’s work to breathe new life into Dumfries town centre, not least through the transformation of the former Baker’s Oven into The Standard.

Having discussed his decision - which takes effect following the AGM - with fellow directors, they have already selected the next chair, ensuring a smooth handover.

Robert Richmond, a Dumfries-based chartered surveyor who has been on Midsteeple Quarter’s board since 2022, will chair his first meeting in October.

Peter is well-known throughout the town as a former headteacher and educational advisor, as well as being a leading figure in Scotland’s Ukrainian community - his support for which has intensified since the war which has devastated his family’s homeland began in 2022.

Although he is stepping aside as chair, his experience on the board is not being lost, as he will remain as a director.

Peter Kormylo speaking at the The Standard's naming ceremony

Speaking about his decision, Peter said: “With The Standard nearing completion, our community benefit society is about to begin a new chapter.

“So now feels like a natural time, for Midsteeple Quarter as well as me personally due to my other commitments, for someone else to take the chair. I know that Robert will do a fantastic job.”

Peter lives just a couple of minutes’ walk from Midsteeple Quarter and has watched the transformation of The Standard daily with great pride.

“We cannot afford to lose sight of the significant achievements that community ownership has delivered for Dumfries in a relatively short period of time,” he said.

“Midsteeple Quarter has begun turning a vision for town centre regeneration into reality. And, while there is still an incredible amount of work to do, we can say that the work done so far has been completed well, creating new homes and spaces creating new opportunities in the High Street. It is a hugely successful start.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to represent our members and playing my part in Midsteeple Quarter’s journey, just in a slightly different way.”

Incoming MSQ chair Robert Richmond, left, on The Standard construction site last summer with Society secretary Dion Corbett and former director John Dowson

Robert - who has recently served as vice-chair of the board - thanked Peter for his work as chair.

“Peter’s passion and determination has been incredibly influential over the past couple of years as the whole board works to make a positive difference to the future of Dumfries,” he said.

“On behalf of the board - and the wider membership - I would like to express our gratitude for the time and commitment Peter has given as chair. We look forward to his continued contribution to our work.”

Also at the AGM, two new directors - Audrey Clowe and Bill Simon - were appointed to the board following a recruitment process.

You can find out more about our board - and read biographies of all of our directors - here.